Sunday Morning Services * Celebration of the Lord’s Supper
Good Samaritan Worship • 8 am Liturgist: Tom and Laura Lou Struthers
newsletter of east liberty presbyterian church
June 2009
Summer Worship Schedule
Beginning Sun., June 21 Starting June 21, there will be only two Sunday morning services: • Good Samaritan, at 8 am; • Sanctuary Worship, at 10 am. For the months of July and August, the 10 am, service will be held outside in our church courtyard (weather permitting). The Journey worship service, which began last April, will conclude another excellent season of presenting weekly opportunities to praise God through its intentionally inter-racial, interactive, gospel/contemporary worship. Special thanks to the Journey music ministry team of Moses Cheeks, Rev. Patrice Fowler-Searcy, Rebecca Marquette, Ashok Nayak, Jack Phillips, and Suzanne Polak, and Rev. Heather Schoenewolf. Their talent and spirit help make the Journey worship such a positive part of our church life! We’ll see you again this fall!
VCS: Catch the Spirit
June 22-26, from 9 am-3 pm, at ELPC VCS is fast approaching! This year, children age 3-grade 5 will “Catch the Spirit” and learn about God’s guiding, inspiring, and empowering presence among us and throughout the church. Registration forms are available for participants and volunteers on the CE bulletin board (first floor) and on the CE table (second floor). Please sign up now to join in the fun this summer! If you are unable to join us for VCS but would like to contribute to this important ministry, donation cards are available for those who want to contribute snacks or supplies to our VCS program. Call Pastor Heather at 412.411.3800 x21, for details.
"I had a moment where God's presence truly became known to me. I was on the Mission Trip last year to New York City...and we read a passage in the Bible. The general message of the passage was that whoever you are, whether slave or free, rich or poor, God will forgive you for your sins through Jesus Christ. Though this was a message I have been hearing for years it suddenly had a new meaning. I was thankful because if I did something wrong, I would be forgiven. The whole experience of knowing that God is real gave me a confidence in who I am and the confidence in living my life." - Camden Copeland
June 7* June 14 June 21 June 28
Doug Portz, Acting Pastor to Presbytery David H. Dix, Capital Campaign Director, EECM Jeff Lowery, Assistant Minister, Deliverence Baptist Church Jim Davidson, First Presbyterian Church, in Elizabeth, PA
Journey Worship • 8:45 am
June 7* The Rev. Patrice Fowler-Searcy June 14 The Rev. Heather Schoenewolf
Sanctuary Worship • 11 am
June 7* The Rev. Dr. Randy Bush June 14 The Rev. Dr. Randy Bush
Sanctuary Worship • 10 am
June 21 The Rev. Heather Schoenewolf June 28 The Rev. Dr. Randy Bush
Koinonia Service of Praise Second Sunday of each month • 7 pm June 14 Elder Kathleen Kyle
Holy Ground Service
Third Sunday, March-November • 6 pm Held in the Garth, weather permitting June 21 Fr. William Kiel
Labyrinth Prayer Walk Mondays • 10 am-3 pm Wednesdays • 10 am-9 pm
Taizé Prayer Service Wednesdays • 7 pm The Rev. Christiane Dutton
Save the Dates June 6: OHM Work Day, pg. 7 June 7: Young at Heart Luncheon, pg. 3 June 13: Youth 30-Hour Famine, pg. 5 June 14: Teacher Appreciation, pg. 4 Young Adults Go Green, pg. 5 PrideFest, pg. 3 June 21: Tour of ELPC, pg. 8 Water Blessing, pg. 6 June 22-26: Vacation Church School, pg. 1 June 30: Young Adults Pirates Game, pg. 5
Looking Ahead July 1: Grad. Announcements, pg. 6 July 15-19: Youth Mission Trip July 31: Presbytery Night with the Pirates August 2-8: Trinity Youth Conference
East Liberty Presbyterian Church • 116 South Highland Avenue • Pittsburgh, PA 15206 • www.cathedralofhope.org
East Liberty Presbyterian Church The Cathedral of Hope 116 South Highland Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15206 Tel: 412.441.3800 Fax: 412.441.4422 www.cathedralofhope.org
Office Hours Monday–Friday, 9 am-5 pm Sunday, 9 am-12:30 pm
Staff Leadership The Rev. Dr. Randall K. Bush Pastor The Rev. Heather Schoenewolf Associate Pastor for Educational Ministries Linda Addlespurger Director of Hope Academy The Rev. Miriam Chamberlain Visitation Pastor Cindy DeAngelo Seminary Intern Brian Diebold Youth and Young Adult Ministry Intern The Rev. Christiane Dutton Minister of Taizé Prayer The Rev. Patrice L. Fowler-Searcy Director of Mission Ministries Pamela M. Kimmel Business Administrator Dr. Lois M. Lang Associate in Ministry for Spiritual Life, Stephen Ministry and Older Adults The Rev. Dr. J. Richard Szeremany Director, Worship, Music and The Arts Jon Tyillian Associate Director of Music Paul Martin Supervisor of Security and Hospitality
Reaching Out Newsletter Reaching Out is a monthly publication of East Liberty Presbyterian Church and is free to members and friends. Deadlines are the first Tuesday of the preceding month. page 2
Pastoral Message The Rev. Dr. Randall K. Bush, Pastor
How should we pray to God? Should we pray humbly (Lord, if it’s not too much, I just want to ask…) or passionately (Great God, with all my heart please give me wisdom to do what is right and strength to avoid what is wrong….)? Should we use formal language (Almighty and most merciful Father, from whom cometh every good and perfect gift…), making sure we are as comprehensive as possible (Having offered words of praise and confession, I shall now present my prayers of intercession and supplication…)? Or, the $100 question, is it possible to pray “wrong?” At its heart, prayer is a conversation that includes silence, trust, and hope. It’s not so much an act of talking to God as it’s an opening up of ourselves to God, not a public speaking recitation. Think of it more like entering a room where God is seated, or taking a walk beside Christ, or breathing in a deep, cleansing breath that includes the Holy Spirit. Think of it as a posture out of which words, thoughts, and concerns are humbly given voice. Praying to God also involves silence, as we reflect on our words and create a space in which God can respond – through insights; inner peace; and yes, words we hear as we continue on through our day. Praying involves trust – the deep sense that we’re not alone and that the One who accompanies us truly wants what is best for us. The formula is this: Sincere prayer plus a spirit of trust always adds up to an attitude of persistent hope. I don’t know if you can ever pray “wrong.” I know I’ve prayed for the wrong reasons; and at times I’ve prayed out of feelings of distraction, confusion, or obligation. There’ve even been prayers offered out of panic, usually involving a maliciously uncooperative home computer! However, God does not wait to listen to us until we can pray “right.” God is near, knows our needs before we ask, and is ever anxious to respond. Prayer is also a discipline. So I wouldn’t worry that your prayer is being done poorly; rather find regular times to practice the art of praying and you’ll see how soon concerns about doing it “wrong” are invariably misplaced. I’ll close with some quotes from prayers composed by animals (thanks to the creativity of poet Carmen Bernos de Gasztold). I appreciate their honesty and their simple wisdom. May they help enrich your own prayer life. “A little patience, O God, I am coming.” – Prayer of the Tortoise “Lord, I who see the world from above find it hard to get used to its pettiness.” – Prayer of the Giraffe “Dear God, give me time. People are always so driven!” – Prayer of the Ox “Lord, you try for a little while to walk on one foot carrying Your whole heaven on Your back.” – Prayer of the Snail “Oh! What a worry! All these chicks to cherish and protect – can’t shut an eye even for a moment!” – Prayer of the Mother Hen “Lord! Where was I? Oh yes! This flower, this sun, thank You! Your world is beautiful!...Where was I? Oh yes! Lord, I had something to tell You: Amen.” – Prayer of the Butterfly
Reaching Out • June 2009
Session News
Young at Heart Luncheon
• The May meeting marked the start of the Session year, with new elders taking over their roles and responsibilities. Don Breitbarth was elected Session Clerk.
Sun., June 7, following 11 am, Sanctuary Worship Each year, the ELPC Deacons sponsor the Young At Heart Luncheon, which honors our Seniors with a time of fellowship, food, and entertainment. This year, our theme is Songs of Hope and Freedom, and features special guest Peter Yarrow, who leads us in some of the songs that inspired an earlier struggle for needed change.
• The 2009 Confirmation Class joined the elders for dinner before being examined and approved to be received as members of ELPC. • Session members were disappointed to hear that enough presbyteries voted in the negative to defeat the latest effort to revise G-6.0106b (poorly-worded “fidelity and chastity” requirements for ordination) in the Book of Order. However, the vote itself prompted positive “changes of heart” and faithful conversation.
Since high school, Peter Yarrow’s commitment and work have been directed by awareness that music of conscience can have an extraordinary effect when utilized in efforts to transform society. As a performer and social Photo courtesy of Kevin Mazur activist, he uses music to inspire a more just, peaceful, and compassionate society. The music of Peter, Paul and Mary became the genesis of activism, idealism and a life-long commitment to making positive social change. Yarrow’s songwriting has produced some of Peter, Paul & Mary’s most moving songs, such as “Puff, The Magic Dragon,” “Day Is Done,” and “Light One Candle.” “Beyond our intellect, the inspiration of our spirit is essential”, says Yarrow. “And that is where music and the arts come in.” For details, call Amanda Nolan, at 412.441.3800 x34!
"Jesus' life was a reinstatement of God's glory and generosity to the people. Jesus' death was a symbol to allow God to forgive us, "for we do not know what we are doing." Jesus' resurrection was a key to allow the people of God to go to God's kingdom." - Erich Harkema
Mission to Malawi Peta Harrigan-Cole has been selected to go on Pittsburgh Presbytery’s Partnership Mission Trip to Malawi, from August 6-20. Her enthusiasm for the mission won over those who interviewed her. The group will visit our sister church in Balaka and other areas of the Synod of Blantyre. Help celebrate this event by: • Encouraging and praying for Peta as she prepares for this journey; • Participating in the commissioning service on August 2 (location TBD); • Seeing her off at the airport on August 6, at 7 am; and • Making a financial contribution. This will be a life-changing experience and we wish her well! For questions, call Kay Shissler, at 412.681.2047. Reaching Out • June 2009
PrideFest: March and Festival Sun., June 14; March at 12 pm, Festival from 1-6 pm PrideFest is a day-long celebration of GLBT Pride in Pittsburgh. ELPC joins other churches, faith groups and non-church groups, all supporting diversity and inclusivity in the Pride Awareness March. We march through downtown, beginning at the intersection of Grant St. and Blvd. of the Allies, and ending at Liberty and 7th St. We wear our ELPC t-shirts (available in the bookstore) and walk as a group to witness God’s amazing love and open arms. ELPC provides transportation to the march site and festival. Liberty Ave., between 9th St. & 7th Ave., will be closed to traffic. Among dozens of vendors, ELPC will have a booth staffed by church members, who’ll hand out literature about our worship services and mission activities, and will talk about ELPC and what it means to us. There’ll also be: food vendors; two stages with entertainment; and a family-friendly area with carnival games. We encourage you to participate in any or all of the activities. To sign up for the march or to work a shift at the booth, call Carol Untch, at 724.272.9722. Sign up sheets also are available during the fellowship time after Sanctuary Worship. For information on PrideFest and other activities, visit http://pittsburghpride.org. page 3
"I want to follow Jesus' teachings, and try not to be hypocritical in the way I live my life...Some of Jesus' teachings are guidelines for me that provide good examples of how to live and treat others. Such is the classic parable of the Good Samaritan, where a traveler helps a man who would be considered his enemy in the eyes of his kin. I’ll never know if I’ll suddenly be faced with a situation where someone needs help, but I do know that God will assist me in making the right decision when the time comes..." - Josh Lawrence
Teacher Appreciation Sun., June 14, during 11 am, Worship On the last day of the Church School year, we’ll recognize our teachers and facilitators, and give thanks to God for their dedication, wisdom and care. ELPC is privileged to have a vibrant program for all ages, and the Educational Ministries Committee is thankful for everyone who makes our offerings possible. Join us in thanking: Linda Benedict, Nicole Bomeli, Don Breitbarth, Valire Copeland, Carla Depperman, Brian Diebold, Jamie Dixon, Sandy Edgecombe, Maurice Gordon, Carol Hoehn, Frances and Jan Irvin, Anne Jackson, Vanessa Johnson, Joe Kennedy, Nancy Klancher, Kathleen Kyle, Heather Lawrence, Mary Alice Lightle, Roberta London, Nancy Magee, Judy Menk, Nicole Molinaro, Marti Moore, Kim Ness, Jan Pressman, Gwen Puza, Leila Richards, Laura Ristau, Carolyn Russ, Kay Shissler, and Sarah Stacy. We also would like to recognize the ministry of the late Chuck Nichols, who served as a Senior High teacher.
Christian Education in June
Rev. Heather Schoenewolf, Associate Pastor for Educational Ministries
CONTEMPORARIES CLASS Facilitators: Joe Kennedy and Mary Alice Lightle June 7: Stories and Experiences, led by the Rev. Miriam Chamberlain Miriam has experienced a tapestry of spiritual events which have served to define and nurture her ministry. Our congregation benefits from her gifts through visitation and outreach. Her faith stories can serve as bonding agents to foster our collective well-being, and help strengthen us during times of challenge. Get to know one of our staff members on a deeper level! June 14: The Visitation Ministry, led by the Rev. Miriam Chamberlain Join in a panel discussion on how the Visitation Ministry provides for each of us. • It renders service or aid to enhance the physical or spiritual well-being of others. • It’s a means of demonstrating sympathy and service toward another person. • It’s an outward attempt to display the qualities of love, mercy, compassion, understanding and forgiveness to others. • It acknowledges the qualities exhibited by Jesus Christ in His numerous encounters with the plight of individuals. • It means giving yourself, talents, resources, and time in a Christian manner. June 21-July 26: Multitude of Blessings, led by Joe Kennedy and Mary Alice Lightle Join us in the Parlor (second floor) from 9:15-9:50 am, for a six-week summer session around Dr. Cynthia M. Campbell’s book, “A Multitude of Blessings.” How do Christians who trust in God and follow Jesus Christ in their daily lives, who believe that religious beliefs really do “matter,” and who want to treat people of all religious backgrounds with respect, account for the existence and vitality of the world’s religions? A noted Christian scholar put it this way: “How does one account theologically for the fact of humanity’s religious diversity? We explain the fact that the Milky Way is there by the doctrine of creation, but how do we explain the fact that the Bhagavad Gita is there?” We’ll explore these questions. • June 21: Is This “My Father’s” World or Not? • June 28: Many Faiths…One Family
JOURNEY WITH SCRIPTURE Facilitator: Jan Irvin June 7: Isa. 6:1-8; Ps. 29; Rom. 8:12-17; John 3:1-17 June 14: I Sam. 15:34-16:13 or Ezek. 1:22-24; Ps. 20 or Ps. 92:1-4, 12-15; II Cor. 5:6-17; Mark 4:26-34
PARENTING CIRCLE Facilitators: Frances Irvin and Anne Jackson June 7, 14: Three Cups of Tea; Ideas for the Fall We’ll finish discussing the inspirational book “Three Cups of Tea,” describing the story of Greg Mortenson and his mission to build schools in the mountains of Pakistan and Afghanistan. We’ll draw out themes that relate to our family life. We’ll also brainstorm ideas for the fall.
SEEKERS Facilitators: Seekers Steering Committee June 7: To Be Determined, facilitated by the Rev. Heather Schoenewolf June 14: Review the Year’s Activities and Plan for Next Year
"I believe God is always with us: during hardship, during laughter, during decisions, during rest, and during new experiences. Sometimes you just have to notice, but he is a never ending presence...I think we are not meant to judge but to forgive. I believe in the mercy and compassion of God." - Talora Martin page 4
Reaching Out • June 2009
Youth and Young Adult Events
Hope Academy
YOUTH MINISTRIES
Get Set for Fall 2009 Hope Academy’s fall 2009 course brochure, registration form and scholarship application will be online in mid-June. For more information, visit www.HopeAcademy.info.
Rev. Heather Schoenewolf, Associate Pastor for Educational Ministries
club one sixteen Thank you to the volunteers who helped to make our Wednesday evening youth program possible. We’re grateful for our youth group leaders and volunteers: Ashley Birt, Brian Diebold, Tim and Maria Engelhardt, Bill Johnson, Carolyn Russ, and Anthony Williams. We also would like to thank those who donated meals for our group on Wednesday evenings: Sherry Anderson, Nadine Banks, Damon Bethea, Sharon Brit, Carol Kirkpatrick, Judy Menk, Joyce and Melanee Reese, Carolyn Russ, Jane and Bob Sampson, Kay Shissler, and Lora Turner. June 13-14: 30 Hour Famine ELPC youth in grades 6-12 will participate in our annual 30-Hour Famine from June 13-14. We’ll begin our fast after breakfast on Saturday morning, and then meet at 3 pm, at ELPC, to begin our activities. During an overnight lock-in, we’ll learn about the needs of those who are hungry—particularly those in Haiti—and will spend time in service to others, worship, and fun games. We’ll fast in order to raise money and awareness about the needs of those who are hungry, and will only drink water and juice during our time together. We’ll break our fast with Communion on Sunday during the 8:45 am, Journey service, and enjoy a hot breakfast following worship. A permission slip is required.
YOUNG ADULT MINISTRIES
Those in their 20’s and 30’s are invited to join our warm and dynamic group for faith and fellowship! Visit us on MySpace, and find us on Facebook as well! June 14: Young Adults Go Green! Mission Service Opportunity Join us as the group works to upgrade and promote ELPC’s recycling program! We’ll place bins throughout the church for plastics and glass, and work on effective signs for their use. There’ll be a job for everyone! We’ll meet in the Parlor (second floor), at 4 pm. June 30: Pirates Game The Young Adults group will be going out for an evening of baseball, pierogi races, and that great ballpark atmosphere as the Pittsburgh Pirates take on the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. Meet at ELPC at 5:45pm. Tickets cost $15. RSVP to Brian no later than Tues., June 16!
Photo from a recent camping trip to Moraine State Park. Pictured left-to-right: (Front) Bruce Pollock, Elizabeth (Jett) Downey; (Back) Ray Elliot, Dwayne Elliot, DaMisha Probst, Jamie Dixon, and Matthew Anderson
Linda Addlespurger, Director
Born for a Reason In April, 50 students, ages 7-17, sang, danced and acted their way through “Born for a Reason,” a hip-hop-opera about acceptance, inclusion and belonging. The performance was the culmination of a year of focusing on the importance of treating every man, woman and child with respect and dignity. It was a life-affirming event! For those who missed it, one of the songs, “Don’t Laugh at Me,” will be reprised with guest Peter Yarrow at the Young at Heart luncheon. Thank you to everyone on the stage, behind the scenes and in the audience, for making Hope Academy’s showcase performance such a meaningful one.
Sam Gardner, Uma Harkness and Lydia Froncek on the stage of the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater, performing in Hope Academy’s showcase performance of “Born for a Reason.”
Aspiring Musician Bethan Neely, a Hope Academy student, has been busy the past several weeks performing for a variety of audiences. Recently, she played the preludes and postlude at ELPC worship, and played three organ compositions for the monthly meeting of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Bethan also competed as a scholarship winner and contestant for the Pittsburgh Organ Academy auditions, held at Southminster Presbyterian Church. Bethan takes weekly organ lessons with Dr. Szeremany, and studies piano with JoAnn Wagstaff, in addition to studying the oboe and English horn. She recently placed third in the Lois Smith/Lois Streader Pittsburgh piano competition, and has been accepted for the Oberlin Conservatory one-week Summer Academy for High School Organists, in Oberlin, Ohio. Congratulations, Bethan! Reaching Out • June 2009
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Calling All Graduates ELPC would like to celebrate the accomplishments of those in our faith family who have completed High School or any Post-Secondary Education (college, trade school, etc.). Let us know if you or a family member have celebrated a graduation this spring. Email the name, degree, and institution attended to Gloria Knopp, at gloriak@coh.net, by July 1.
"God and ELPC are two very important things to me. God hasn't always been someone I understood. ELPC and its members have helped me realize who God is and what He does. To me, God is accepting of everyone even though not everyone is accepting of God." - Madie Massey
Summer Choir Do you like to sing, but can't find the time for choir rehearsals? Maybe during the summer, things will free up. Beginning on Thurs., June 18, at 7 pm, in the Music Room (third floor) you and your voice are invited by the members of the Chancel Choir. Use this "summer choir" to enjoy singing, learning music, and making friends. Call Dr. Szeremany or Jon Tyillian, at 412.441.3800 x24, and say "Yes, I’m going to give this a try!"
Calling All Instrumentalists Summer is a wonderful time to have some musical fun. Do you play an instrument, or would you like to brush up on your skills? Would you like to play in a small ensemble and meet other instrumentalists? If so, call Dr. Szeremany, at 412.441.3800 x24, to be added to the Summer Instrumentalist list and receive all the news for our group! page 6
Classes After Taizé Prayer The Rev. Christiane Dutton, Minister of Taizé Prayer Note: Classes begin at 8:15 pm. June 3: Tower Sing Climb the church tower with us and sing into the evening! We’ll sing Taizé chants, rounds, hymns and folk songs! June 10: Flute Meditations on the Labyrinth, led by Charles Anderson June 17: Sacred Harp/Shape Note Singing, led by Charles Anderson Enjoy singing from the oldest American tune book in print. Beginners welcome! June 24: Celebrations! Do you celebrate a birthday, milestone or anniversary in June? Write it down and put it in the collection plate! We’d like to celebrate with you!
Spiritual Life
Dr. Lois M. Lang, Associate in Ministry for Spiritual Life Live H2O Pittsburgh Sun., June 21, from 4:30-6 pm, is a global event to bless the sacred water of the Earth. Join us in the blessing of water through prayer, music and a labyrinth walk closing ceremony. Call Judy, at 412.571.1223, for details. Let’s Get Ready for Christmas! We are excited about our 2009 Christmas project, a Chrismon tree!. We’ll decorate it with ornaments made by interested members and friends of ELPC. The symbols used represent a variety of biblical and theological concepts that are well known among most believers. Chrismon ornaments are white and gold, decorated with beads, ribbon, glitter, etc. Common examples include crowns, crosses, doves, stars, and butterflies. We are organizing those who are interested based on types of ornaments: • Counted cross-stitch symbols (2 ¼ X 2 ¼ inches) • Three-dimensional wire and bead designs Materials will be supplied and classes will be offered. Anyone interested should call 412.441.3800 and speak with Kate Carlson, at x17, or Lois Lang, at x41.
Health Ministry
The Rev. Patrice L. Fowler-Searcy, Staff Representative Tuesday Tai Chi Join us in the Sewing room on June 2, 9, and 16, from 10-11 am, and 6-7 pm. We request a donation of $3/class. Call Amanda Nolan, at 412.441.3800 x34.
"The church is a place where all people can come and be safe and loved, and where they can hear about God and choose to believe in God if they can. Being a member of the church is important to me because I feel like I belong to a place that I love and where love is." - Sophie Klancher
Reaching Out • June 2009
Housing Ministry
Emily Rosenthal, Chair of the Neighbors Mission Committee Ministry Volunteer Opportunity The Neighbors Mission Committee would like to thank the 30 ELPC members who volunteered for the housing ministry’s work days on March 7, and April 6. All are welcome to join us on Sat., June 6, as we do repair and landscape work at the homes of families under the care of Open Hands Ministry. Call Emily Rosenthal, at 412.963.0139, or Rev. Patrice Fowler-Searcy, at 412.441.3800 x30. Providence Experienced in Abandoned House, by Emily Rosenthal, ELPC Elder ELPC’s Housing Ministry can involve many things, but mostly, our ministry is about being in grace-filled relationships with our neighbors and God. In March, 20 ELPC ministry volunteers joined other churches for an OHM work day, where we cleaned out an abandoned house for potential buyers. At first glance, it looked like a dump: holes in the walls where people tried to steal copper pipes, broken glass, etc. As we worked, it became obvious that this house had indeed been a home. In a bedroom closet, a ceramic cross and portable communion sets were uncovered. In the garage, a hand-painted sign proclaimed the “Open Door Church.” Living room bookcases contained schoolwork, hymnals, books of theology, and photos. I saw names and photos of family members that were taken in the very spot I was standing. Each discovery told a piece of a family’s story. As we marveled at the life that once filled this house, a middle-aged woman walked through the front door and said, “I used to live here.” I recalled a name written in one of the children’s books, and unthinkingly asked, “Are you Sheron?” The startled woman replied, “Yes.” Sheron grew up in that house; her parents were ministers, as is she. She currently lives in a different part of Pittsburgh, and rarely drives by her old house. However, when she woke up that day, she felt pulled there. We agreed that God was telling her to stop by to gather the belongings and to complete the story of an abandoned house for a group of surprised, humbled volunteers. It was an amazing day!
ELPC People Good News • Chad and Sarah Stacy are the proud parents of a baby girl, Marian Stacy. • Patricia McClung is the proud parent of a baby boy, Christian McClung. • Congratulations to Damon and Lora (Turner) Bethea on their marriage. • Congratulations to our new members who joined in May.
Pictured left-to-right: Karen Keagle, Bill Johnson, Allen Hahn, David Maloney, Sharyn Caye, Jim Newsome, Bonnie Bogovich, Bill Myers, and Barbara Myers
• Jane and Bob Sampson were honored on May 17, by the East Liberty Family Health Care Center, for being “Common People Doing Things Uncommonly Well.” • In May, the Pittsburgh Symphony Youth Orchestra performed the world premiere of “Mary Lou: Four Symphonic Memories of Mary Lou Williams.” The piece was commissioned in honor of ELPC member Agnes Dodds Kinard.
EECM Summer Food Drive During summer, families of children who qualify for school breakfast and lunch programs face the additional cost of providing these meals on limited budgets. The Poverty Committee and the EECM pantry manager ask that we focus our summer offerings on items that can help the pantry provide lunch for children, such as: • Juice Boxes • Applesauce • Graham Crackers • Fruit Snacks (raisins or other dried fruit) Please consider bringing any of these items as your Food of the Month donation for June, July, and August. Donations may be dropped off in the hallway baskets. Men’s Shelter While the need has remained consistent, donations have declined. We need your help! Requested items for June include plain white and colored t-shirts sizes M-XXL. Please drop donations in the Highland Ave. hallway basket. Reaching Out • June 2009
Mrs. Kinard poses with Jim Cunningham, WQED Morning Show radio host, at the reception at Heinz Hall
Thanks • I want to thank the congregation at ELPC for all the love and support expressed when my 102-year-old mom passed on. It was a real blessing. - Chuck Carson Prayers • Our sympathies are with the family and friends of Rich Davis, who passed away on April 1. Rich served ELPC on the maintenance crew for many years. page 7
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“...inviting all to join our diverse, inclusive family of faith, transcending boundaries of race, class, ability, culture, age, gender and sexual identity to become one in Christ.”
ELPC’s Newest Members Congratulations to the youth who joined ELPC on Confirmation Sunday. Each new member wrote a Statement of Faith, expressing their belief in God and their understanding of how God is at work in their lives. Excerpts are scattered throughout Reaching Out.
Take a Tour of ELPC Sun., June 21, following 10 am, Worship If you’re interested in taking a tour and learning more about the history and architecture of ELPC, call Kate Carlson, at 412.441.3800 x17, or sign up in the church office!
Photo from a Confirmation Retreat: (left-to-right) Josh Lawrence, Sophie Klancher, Pastor Heather, Erich Harkema, Ben Engelhardt, Madie Massey, Camden Copeland, Talora Martin, and Brian Diebold.
"I don't know much about God but I do know He exists. My faith is like a solar system. At the center is a core belief in God which is orbited by many little questions. Like planets, they are formed and pulled in by the power of the core…I also know that God created everything because the world is adorned twice over by miracles." - Ben Engelhardt